The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem, and its associated conservation values, that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed.

• This definition refers to restoration as a means to remedy environmental harms or reverse the loss of environmental values. The term ‘restoration’ is also used in the context of remediation of human rights harms, for which restoration may come in many forms (eg, restoration of benefits, employment, or access to lands). See the Operational Guidance on Remediation and Access to Remedy.